North Carolina Solar Information

Pros and Cons of Buying Solar Panels in North Carolina

Pros:

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  Relatively short payback period

  The solar payback period is the amount of time it will take to completely pay off your solar power system. Nowadays, solar panels are more efficient than ever before, meaning they produce more electricity thus reducing the energy payback period. Depending on where you live in North Carolina, your solar panels might be paid off in as little as 8-9 years.
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  After the payback period, solar power is nearly free

  Depending on the utility company you are using, you might be still paying a small interconnection fee to keep your solar power system plugged in after its capital cost is paid off. Besides that expense, all the electricity your PV system generates will be free.
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  Great savings on a monthly electric bill

  As soon as you install a solar power system on your home, you will start generating your own electricity. It means relying less on your local utility company, no worrying about utility rate inflation, and saving money on your monthly electric bill. The average monthly savings from solar in North Carolina is $122.
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  Helping the environment since solar energy is clean, sustainable, and renewable

  Solar energy is plentiful and renewable. Moreover, generating solar power does not cause almost any pollution. When compared to some of the traditional fossil fuels, solar energy does not lead to the contamination of water and the atmosphere. On the contrary, it helps reduce the greenhouse effect and lowers our negative impact on the natural environment.
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  Support from the government and the state

  Today, the cost to install solar panels is much lower than what it used to be a few years ago. With the help of the Federal Tax Credit and the state programs and incentives, the price of the solar power system is reduced by thousands of dollars.
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  Very low maintenance

  All of the solar panels today require only minimal maintenance, which consists of cleaning them a couple of times a year. In addition, solar panels are not expected to have any wear and tear with usage since they do not have any moving parts. Moreover, solar panels are inaudible when in operation.
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  Excellent warranty protection

  In the market today, each solar panel comes with two types of warranties: a product guarantee and the performance warranty. The majority of top solar manufacturers offer extended product guarantees (up to 25 years) that will take care of any breakage or faulty equipment, and some ensure up to 90% efficiency in electricity generation even after 25 years of usage.
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  Increase in the property value

  Zillow’s most recent real estate study on the impact of an installed solar system revealed a national increase of at least 4.1% to the value of the home. Moreover, according to recent studies by the Appraisal Institute, homes with installed PV systems sell both at higher prices and much faster compared to homes without solar power systems.

Cons:

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  The possible high initial cost

  Many people are concerned with the initial cost to install a solar power system since the cost will include solar panels, battery, inverter, all the necessary accessories, mounting equipment, the installation itself, and therefore can become relatively high. However, solar prices are lower than ever before, and with the availability of various tax credits and rebates, it is a very smart investment.
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  Must have a large, open area for installation

  Solar panels must be mounted on open, clear surfaces to operate efficiently. To generate solar energy, they depend on sunlight, and the more energy you need, the more solar panels you will need to use. Thankfully, as long as solar panels still have access to sunlight, solar panels can be installed not only on the roofs but also on the ground.
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  Must be a property owner to install

  The installation of solar power systems is now mostly open to homeowners with excellent credit and/or good earnings. For renters, low-income individuals, or individuals without a job, solar advantages are not yet available.

Is It Worth Going Solar In North Carolina?

When comparing North Carolina’s solar energy advantages and disadvantages, it is clear that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages. With the prices lower than ever and with the solar incentives being one of the best in the country, there is no better time to install solar power system and start saving money on your electric bill while helping keep North Carolina clean and beautiful.